September 30, 2013

José Eric García Rodríguez, a Camaguey activist with the Voice of the People Democratic Movement earlier this month was sentenced to three years in prison after authorities found him in possession of anti-government leaflets, according to the Hablemos Press news agency.

Garcia, 37, was arrested Sept. 11, and 72 hours he was tried, convicted and sentenced.

"For us, the real reason for the arrest is that he was very active in the activities we were doing for the 4th anniversary of our organization, held on the 5th of this month," said Jorge Gastónberry, head of the Voice of the People Democratic Movement.

In jail, Garcia started a hunger strike.

In response, prison guards ordered other inmates to attack and beat him.

Afterwards, according to his uncle, guards threw Garcia into a tiny punishment cell, complete with no light or water.

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José Eric García Rodríguez, a Camaguey activist with the Voice of the People Democratic Movement earlier this month was sentenced to three years in prison after authorities found him in possession of anti-government leaflets, according to the Hablemos Press news agency.

Garcia, 37, was arrested Sept. 11, and 72 hours he was tried, convicted and sentenced.

"For us, the real reason for the arrest is that he was very active in the activities we were doing for the 4th anniversary of our organization, held on the 5th of this month," said Jorge Gastónberry, head of the Voice of the People Democratic Movement.

In jail, Garcia started a hunger strike.

In response, prison guards ordered other inmates to attack and beat him.

Afterwards, according to his uncle, guards threw Garcia into a tiny punishment cell, complete with no light or water.